Today we get into the nitty-gritty details of a few of our favorite task management apps. We both share a great fondness for writing down things that we need to remember. But having a digital version of “writing things down” that also includes a reminder when that task is due … well, THAT is just a Productivity Lover’s dream! We chat about all the different apps we’ve used over the years and why we have stuck to some and why others just didn’t work. We also share some of the features we like so that you make an informed choice when choosing your next task management app. To get the links to every app we discussed in today’s episode, CLICK HERE or scroll down for the link. Discussion Points: Cris and Deb’s thoughts on apps Which one’s better for task management: Paper or Tech? 11+ productivity and task management apps to get stuff done The Asana Unicorn Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) Turn To-Do Into Done With Tasks Links to all apps Deb’s website    http://productivitylovers.com https://www.facebook.com/Productivity-Lovers https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ https://evernote.com/blog/turn-to-do-into-done-with-tasks/ https://bit.ly/PLPodcast8 (links to all apps & resources) https://dallisonlee.com

Both Deb and Cris are in the middle of two different but equally tough life transitions. Deb is dealing with her home renovation and Cris is figuring out the intricacies of moving into a house with her new partner and children … situations that are proving to be just as stressful and mentally draining for these two productivity lovers as it is for the average person. Arguably they may be struggling more, thanks to their strong desire to have everything in order. Cris and Deb share how they have each been navigating this time of transition -- sometimes more successfully than other times. Today’s episode acknowledges that change is easy to underestimate and can easily catch you off-guard. But it’s important to find your way back to some semblance of a routine as soon as possible to ensure your sanity survives the process.  (And, yes, Deb really does wash apples and Cris has been remembering to use her deodorant!) Discussion Points: Updates on Cris and Deb’s life changes Can you really be productive during times of change? 7 simple ways to manage moments of transition and change 1 thing to keep in mind when things feel overwhelming Resources: Productivity Lovers website  Productivity Lovers Facebook Page  Book: “ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life” by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen G. Nadeau Ph.D.  Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays)  Deb’s website    http://productivitylovers.com https://www.facebook.com/Productivity-Lovers https://amzn.to/3emqN6x https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ https://dallisonlee.com

Cris Sgrott and Deb Lee are your Productivity Lovers. You may have heard Cris rave about the book “Finish” by Jon Acuff in a previous episode. In today's episode, Cris shares how she came across the book and why she found it to be such an impressive read. Of course, Deb has been similarly impressed by this read and they decided to spend an entire episode of the podcast on what they each took away as learnings from the book. The author makes some great suggestions in the book and Deb and Cris share how they have been able to actually implement some of these suggestions. This book emphasizes the idea of ensuring that you prioritize AND FINISH things that are important to you and avoid the things in your life that aren’t. This - along with not letting perfectionism hold you back from making progress are some of the great topics Cris and Deb tackle.  Discussion Points: How Cris came across the Book “Finish” Introducing the author Jon Acuff The premise of “Finish” The villain that stops you from finishing projects and how to stop it 3 tips from the book that will help you finish Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) D. Allison Lee website Finish - Give Yourself the Gift of Done (Book) https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers/ https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ https://dallisonlee.com https://www.amazon.ca/Finish-Give-Yourself-Gift-Done/dp/1591847621

Do you find yourself wishing you could be more productive but not sure where to start? Cris Sgrott and Deb Lee, your podcast productivity gurus,  jump into today’s discussion about the Pomodoro Time Management Technique. They share some thoughts on the benefits that they have personally experienced while working in this particular way. Cris and Deb have each used this technique and found it valuable - even though they both worked with a modified version to suit their lifestyle - just like you should if you need to. They chat about coffee, naps, and coffee-naps… Who knew those existed, right? But they do - and they could be an amazing trick up your productivity sleeve. Be in the know and become better at organizing your life by learning from the best in this episode of Productivity Lovers. Discussion Points: The Pomodoro Technique Alternatives on the technique Use break as Reflection time Taking Naps during the workday Coffee Naps Pzizz Pomodoro time-blocks How to get started with the Pomodoro technique Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) The Pomodoro Technique Francesco Cirillo Pzizz Nap App Finish - Give yourself the gift of done (Book)

Cris Sgrott and Deb Lee are both going through major life changes - Cris is moving house and Deb is renovating her kitchen. They are both struggling to deal with the pressure of things around them be so disorganized - knowing that they both make a living out of helping people organize their lives. Both of them find themselves dealing with these changes and stresses differently and in today’s episode they talk about the highs and lows of dealing with big changes like these in life.  Discussion Points: The upheaval of building and moving Dealing with change What is your "Productivity Binky?" The one thing that can keep you steady and focused How language can impact productivity Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays)

Cris Sgrott had an unfortunate time-management disaster this week - making her late for the episode recording. But as they say - “Every dark cloud has a silver lining…” and her ‘dark’ day, brought about this week’s episode discussion where Cris and Deb come up with some really helpful advice about how to tackle bad days and moving on from them. The key being, to remain focused on the things that are going well and working on the problematic things one at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  Discussion Points: Can you really do it all? Difficulties with managing all the elements of life How to pick what you spend your time on, on a daily basis Randi Zuckerberg's book How to manage your whole life - 2 simple things to do now Do you have an anchor? How to fix bad habits and create change in your life Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) Pick Three: You Can Have It All (Just Not Every Day)  James Clear - Atomic Habits Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (title inspiration for today’s show) Meditation apps FitBit Calm   https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers/ https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Three-Have-Just-Every/dp/006284282X https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits https://amzn.to/3ib0djQ https://fitbit.com https://calm.com

Cris Sgrott and Deb Lee jump headfirst into a pretty controversial subject in the productivity world - achieving “Inbox Zero”. However minimalist such an inbox promises to be, both Deb and Cris agree that it is an endless battle. In today’s episode, they share some of their experiences and opinions on striving for Inbox Zero along with alternative ways to organize your email that may be surprisingly satisfying in their own right.  Discussion Points: Reasons Deb and Cris don’t believe in “Inbox Zero” How Deb and Cris manage their inboxes About Snoozing and Boomerang Inbox Zero works for certain people Do whatever works for you More about Gmail features that help organize inbox Make sure Inbox Zero will actually help you Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) Q&A Link?

The Productivity Lovers, Cris and Deb are back in this - their first official episode of Productivity Lovers! They talk through a few interesting points to consider if you are struggling to manage your time and regularly end your day with unfinished tasks. They point out how to use distractions to your advantage and share some valuable resources, tips and tools that may help you get the most out of your day and ensure that you are able to plan better and accomplish your goals with time to spare.  Cris and Deb are both specialists in productivity and helping people become more organized in their day-to-day life. They have many years of experience between them that make them fantastic mentors in this regard. Managing your time and tasks better will relieve stress and in turn improve your quality of life - what’s not to love about that? Discussion Points: The relationship between task- and time management Focus on your energy - not the task Figure out how long certain tasks take you to complete Track time The difference between task- and time management Helpful tools to use  The Importance of developing time awareness Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Organizing Maniacs (Free Training Fridays) Time Tracking Worksheet The Power of When (Book) When (Book)   https://www.facebook.com/ProductivityLovers/ https://organizingmaniacs.com/online-diy/free-training-fridays/ https://dallisonlee.lpages.co/free-time-tracking-worksheet/ https://thepowerofwhen.com/ https://www.danpink.com/books/when/

In this very first episode of Productivity Lovers, your hosts, professional organizer, Cris Sgrott and Digital Productivity Coach, Deb Lee introduce themselves, how they met, and the “why” behind this podcast. They are both passionate about helping people get organized and be more productive. They, after working together on another project, realized that they have a wealth of knowledge that needs to be shared.  They give us a general overview of the direction they plan on taking with the podcast in upcoming episodes. The duo allude to having some interesting guests lined up and also share details about the webinar that sparked the whole idea behind this podcast. There is some great content to look forward to along with interesting conversations around productivity, time management, and tech tools in the coming weeks!  Discussion Points: How Deb and Cris met The webinar that started it all (and link to watch) Upcoming topics in the podcast Resources Productivity Lovers Facebook Page Organizing Maniacs -Free Training Fridays (watch the webinar)